Single

Powders I Keep Reaching For

Posted by Arvind Singh on 10-09-2026

On Trend

Powder is one of those makeup steps I appreciate much more when the formula gets the balance right.

I want enough setting power to make my base look polished, but I still want my skin to look like skin. These three have slightly different personalities, which is exactly why I like having options.

For a More Refined Finish

Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder is the one I reach for when I want my base to look a little more carefully finished. What immediately makes it different is the multi-toned powder inside rather than one completely uniform shade. I like using a light amount over the areas where I want to soften the appearance of shine and make the overall finish look more even. It feels like the kind of powder that works best when I apply it selectively instead of covering my entire face heavily. For me, the result looks polished without making the makeup feel unnecessarily complicated.

My Straightforward Setting Step

Sephora 12HR Translucent Setting Powder is much more of an everyday option in my routine. I like that it is presented as a translucent powder, because that is usually what I want when my foundation and concealer are already the right colour and I simply need to set them. I tend to concentrate it around my T-zone and anywhere my base tends to move first. What I appreciate most is how simple the role of this powder is: I am not looking for additional colour or an elaborate effect, just a cleaner, more controlled finish that helps my makeup look put together for longer.

When I Want Extra Blur

ONE/SIZE Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder is the option I choose when I want the powder step to do a little more visually. The “blurring” idea is what makes this one stand apart for me, especially around areas where texture tends to become more noticeable once foundation is applied. I use a small amount and build only where necessary, because I prefer maintaining some natural dimension rather than completely mattifying everything. The soft pink packaging may look playful, but the product itself fits easily into a more polished makeup routine. I particularly like it on days when I want my complexion to appear smoother and slightly more perfected.

Overall, I don’t expect one powder to work for every makeup look. Sometimes I want something translucent and simple, while other days I prefer a more refined or softly blurred finish. Having these different options makes that final setting step much easier to adjust.